No rise in radiation levels detected in countries bordering Iran: UN nuclear watchdog

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The UN nuclear watchdog said Monday that no abnormal radiation levels have been detected in countries neighboring Iran following recent military strikes, while cautioning that the situation remains highly concerning.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi told the agency’s Board of Governors that radiation levels in states bordering Iran remain within normal background limits.

“There is no indication that any of the nuclear installations, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the Tehran Research Reactor, or other nuclear fuel cycle facilities, have been damaged or hit,” Grossi said.

He noted that the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre is operating with a dedicated team to monitor developments. However, communication with Iran’s nuclear regulatory authorities has not yet been restored.

Grossi warned that the presence of nuclear power plants and research reactors across the region heightens safety risks amid ongoing military escalation.

“We therefore urge utmost restraint in all military operations,” he said, reiterating that “armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place.”

Describing the situation as “very concerning,” Grossi cautioned that a potential radiological release with serious consequences cannot be ruled out and stressed that a durable resolution can only be achieved through dialogue.

“Diplomacy is hard, but it is never impossible,” he added.